MRS. ISABEL M. BRYSON, widow of Joseph A. Bryson, was born June 21, 1834, a daughter of Henry L. and Rachel Ann (Nixon) Rizer, and in 1872 was married to Joseph A. Bryson. Joseph A. Bryson was born July 19, 1827, of Irish descent. His grandfather was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and after marriage immigrated with his family to America, first locating in Maryland, and afterward settling in the northern part of Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., near the union of the Little and Big Buffalo streams. He was among the pioneers of the township, and passed the remainder of his life on the farm, his wife surviving him several years, living with the children. William Bryson (a son of this old pioneer) was born in 1808 in Ireland, and came with his parents to Washington county, Penn.; he was united in marriage with Hannah Bryson, who was born in 1792, daughter of John Bryson, an old pioneer of the county, and their children were John (living in Warrensburg, Mo.), William (deceased in Texas), David and Abraham (deceased in youth), Margaret (Mrs. William McHugh, of Taylorstown, Penn.), Mary (deceased in youth) and Hannah (deceased in 1882). Mr. Bryson passed his married life on the farm now owned by the family of his son Joseph. He was a successful business man, and in politics a Republican. He died April 13, 1878, having been preceded by his wife September 29, 1872. Joseph A. Bryson was born on the home farm in Donegal township, which is situated about half a mile west of Dunsfort, Penn. He always followed agricultural pursuits, and remained on the old place throughout his life. He died January 5, 1890, leaving a widow and the following children: Mary Jane, Emma L., Nora B., William H. and Charles D. (twins). All of the children are living with their mother on the home farm, which is successfully carried on under her management.

Text taken from page 1320 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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